A Russian living in Samoa, Nadya Domashneva, has called for peace, and for the invasion of Ukraine to stop immediately.

Ms. Domashneva who has come to call Samoa her home made the heartfelt plea when the Samoa Observer asked for her views on the developing conflict which has the world on the edge of their seats.

Reuters reported on Sunday that Russian forces have started moving in towards the Ukrainian capital from all side with two large explosions heard south of Kyiv in Vasylkiv. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday that 137 civilians and military personnel had been killed by the war. Despite Russia’s claim it was attacking only military targets, Zelensky said civilian sites were also struck.

“They’re killing people and turning peaceful cities into military targets. It’s foul and will never be forgiven,” Ukranian President Zelensky said.

During an interview with the Samoa Observer, Ms. Domashneva said she was following the conflict closely.

"It is unbelievable and heartbreaking to see our sister nations in this horrible situation and to be in the position of a citizen of the country where government does not care about the opinion of the nation and launches this unlawful attack, absolutely disproportional to the pre-existing geopolitical conflict between the two countries," Ms. Domashneva told the Samoa Observer on Sunday.

She said she is still in contact with her family in Russia, whom are not in any immediate danger. 

"But many Russians, including me, have friends and family in Ukraine, and we all worry about them and their families, and pray for their safety," she said.

"Russia and Ukraine went through WWII as one nation, we have deep spiritual and cultural ties, and it is unthinkable that these two nations would turn against each other because of political power game and dictatorship. This invasion must stop immediately.

"The conflict that originated many years ago, has affected thousands of families, over the last 8 years, and escalated to the point of madness over the last 3 days. Everyday I look for the news that Russian army retracts, and people of Ukraine are safe. We just want peace."

The AP reported on Sunday that Ukranian forces put up fierce resistance to slow the advance of the larger and more powerful Russian military closing in on Ukraine's capital Kyviv. AP also reported that more than 150,000 Ukranians fled for Poland, Maldova and other neighboring countries, and the United Nations warned the number could grow to 4 million if fighting escalates.

The latest developments in Ukraine are testing “the entire international system”, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said.

“Our world is facing the biggest global peace and security crisis in recent years – certainly in my tenure as Secretary-General,” he said, adding that “we face a moment that I sincerely hoped would not come.”

“We need restraint and reason. We need de-escalation now,” spelled out the UN chief, urging all to “refrain from actions and statements that would take this dangerous situation over the brink”.

“It is high time to return to the path of dialogue and negotiations. We must rally and meet this challenge together for peace, and to save the people of Ukraine and beyond from the scourge of war”, Mr. Guterres said. “I am fully committed to all efforts to resolve this crisis without further bloodshed”.

The Samoan government has yet to issue its position on the conflict. But many other countries have made their views quite clear.

The government of the Cook Islands has strongly condemned the invasion.

"The Cook Islands join with others in condemning Russia’s unprovoked invasion of the Ukraine.  We call on Russia to end the hostilities and violations of the international rule of law," the statement from the Cook Islands said.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ukraine and her people at this time.  It is our hope Russia will heed calls to cease military operations in the Ukraine and withdraw immediately before there is further loss of innocent lives. More than ever, diplomatic effort to de-escalate this situation is needed and we urge parties to return to dialogue."